Polish towns mark WWII massacre anniversaries in Sanok and Jedwabne

On the 86th anniversary of the 1940 Gruszka massacre, near Tarnawa Górna in the Sanok region, families of the 112 prisoners killed by German occupiers, local officials and veteran organisations gathered at the Central Cemetery in Sanok and at the execution site on Góra Gruszka. The ceremony was led by Krystyna Chowaniec, president of the World Association of Home Army Soldiers, with prayers offered by Dr Andrzej Skiba and Deputy County Head Damian Biskup. Flowers and candles were placed at the mass grave, and relatives recounted personal memories of the victims.

The same week, the 85th anniversary of the Jedwabne massacre was observed. The commemoration, organised by nationalist and patriotic groups, featured a film screening, the unveiling of a memorial cross and a debate. Organisers, including Grzegorz Braun and supporters of former President Lech Kaczyński, highlighted what they described as historical falsifications surrounding the event, presenting a temporary exhibition titled “Five Creators of Lies”. The program also recalled past political statements by figures such as Aleksander Kwaśniewski. Both anniversaries underscored ongoing efforts in Poland to remember WWII atrocities and the controversies that still surround their interpretation.